Offseason guide for eliminated NFL teams: Key free agents, draft outlook and more

The 2026 NFL offseason has begun for the 22 teams. How can each improve over the next seven months to have better results next season? What big decisions are on deck for each front office? We have next steps for all 22 franchises.

To start, our NFL Nation reporters picked out two key offseason priorities for the teams they cover and weighed in on the most interesting coaching situations that bear watching. National reporters Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano laid out early rumblings on one looming free agent decision for each franchise, and draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid called out one thing to know about each team's 2026 draft outlook. And finally, NFL analysts Aaron Schatz and Ben Solak made a big offseason prediction for every eliminated team.

It's all here as we get ready for the offseason. ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) and projected salary cap space (via Roster Management System) are as of Jan. 4. We'll add more teams as they're eliminated during the postseason.

Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | CAR | CIN | CLE
DAL | DET | GB | IND | JAX | KC
LV | MIA | MIN | NO | NYG
NYJ | PHI | TB | TEN | WSH



2025 record: 11-6
Final FPI ranking: No. 3
Estimated 2026 cap space: minus-$1.1 million
2026 first-round draft pick: TBD

What is their top offseason priority? Get the offense pointed in a better direction. The Eagles have the highest-salaried offense in football, but the unit was still average or below average for most of the season. The Eagles will need to examine everything from coaching to personnel to avoid a repeat showing in 2026.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Navigate some tough decisions on defense. Three key contributors in edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, linebacker Nakobe Dean and safety Reed Blankenship are set to hit free agency. General manager Howie Roseman likely won't sign them all, especially with Jalen Carter and others in line for big paydays in the near future. -- Tim McManus

Latest on whether they will re-sign tight end Dallas Goedert: He is a valuable member of the offense, but the Eagles have a lot of tough free-agent decisions. The 31-year-old might have more value to them than any other team, and if he's not eager to max out his value in free agency, it makes sense that the Eagles find a way to keep him. But if he's back, I expect it'll be on a team-friendly deal. -- Graziano

Early draft outlook: Cornerback could be addressed early, but Philadelphia is known for pouring resources into the trenches. Offensive tackle and edge rusher are two positions the team will have good Round 1 options, such as Texas A&M's Cashius Howell (Texas A&M). If the team wants to wait until Day 2, Romello Height (Texas Tech) and Akheem Mesidor (Miami) are also difference-makers off the edge. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The quarterback factory spits out another trade, as the Eagles will deal QB2 Tanner McKee to the Dolphins in exchange for a middle-round pick. Somehow, this deal eventually gets folded into another team-saving trade just before November's trade deadline. -- Solak



2025 record: 9-7-1
Final FPI ranking: No. 10
Estimated 2026 cap space: minus-$10.1 million
2026 first-round draft pick: None (traded to CLE)

What is their top offseason priority? Figure out how they're going to use Travis Hunter. He will play both ways -- the team is adamant about that -- but will the Jaguars approach 2026 differently? Will he primarily play cornerback and get a package on offense or vice versa?

What is one secondary priority to watch? Add to the defensive line. The Jaguars could benefit from another edge rusher to complement Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. It doesn't have to be an immediate starter, which could be tough to find because they don't have a first-round pick. It wouldn't hurt to address defensive tackle, either, to improve the rotation. -- Mike DiRocco

Latest on whether they will re-sign running back Travis Etienne Jr.: A new administration in Jacksonville drafted Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. last April, and they haven't re-signed Etienne yet. So, it certainly looks as if he's not in the Jags' future plans, though he had an excellent season in coach Liam Coen's system. I think they will try to bring him back on a short-term deal, but a better offer from another team would force him to make a decision. -- Graziano

Early draft outlook: Scheduled to make its first selection of the draft Friday, Jacksonville should make adding depth along the defensive line a priority. Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller is a young and disruptive interior defender who fits the scheme. Caleb Banks (Florida) is also a potential option as durability concerns could cause him to fall to Day 2. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Jaguars will field trade offers on wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who disappointed in his sophomore season. With the emergence of Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers getting an extension, the WR room is getting crowded in Jacksonville. I don't think he will get traded, but if I were a GM, I'd definitely be calling. -- Solak



2025 record: 9-7-1
Final FPI ranking: No. 5
Estimated 2026 cap space: minus-$37 million
2026 first-round draft pick: None (traded to DAL)

What is their top offseason priority? Revamping the cornerback position. General manager Brian Gutekunst has generally been good at adding talent through free agency, but cornerback Nate Hobbs did not work out this past season. Keisean Nixon has been serviceable but might not be a CB1, while Carrington Valentine was too inconsistent in 2025. Without a first-round pick, the Packers might have to try free agency again at this position.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Developing Matthew Golden. The Packers finally spent a first-round pick on a receiver, yet they didn't get him the ball enough. Quarterback Jordan Love even admitted this late in the season. Golden has rare speed and ability, and the Packers need to find a way to use that to their advantage.

Latest on the head coach situation: Both Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur are entering the final year of their contracts. New team president Ed Policy, who took over for Mark Murphy in July, said last summer that he does not want lame-duck leaders. That means he either needs to sign them to extensions, move on from one or part ways with both. -- Rob Demovsky

Latest on whether they will re-sign wide receiver Romeo Doubs: The Packers discussed him in trade talks with other teams last offseason and have yet to extend him. They've used extremely high draft picks on receivers in recent years, including Golden. Doubs has been a reliable target for Jordan Love, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him elsewhere in 2026. -- Fowler

Early draft outlook: With a huge hole at cornerback, the Packers could serve to find a high-end starter on Day 2. Chris Johnson (San Diego State) and Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State) are ideal fits in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's scheme given their strength in man coverage. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Packers will reinvent their offensive line. Both left tackle Rasheed Walker (free agent) and center Elgton Jenkins (one year remaining) will be replaced by younger options with lower-priced contracts in Jordan Morgan, Sean Rhyan and Anthony Belton. Green Bay won't be big spenders with its coaching staff potentially in flux if the team has a disappointing 2026 season. -- Solak



2025 record: 8-9
Final FPI ranking: No. 25
Estimated 2026 cap space: $25.5 million
2026 first-round draft pick: No. 19

What is their top offseason priority? Beef up the pass rush. After tying for 29th in total sacks in 2024, Carolina improved only to 28th this season (30, tied with the Ravens and Cardinals). Getting to the quarterback is a major key to coordinator Ejiro Evero's 3-4 scheme, so the team needs to add more talent on the edge.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Deciding if quarterback Bryce Young fits into the team's long-term plans. The former No. 1 overall pick will be heading into his fourth season, but he's still showing signs of inconsistency as a passer. Young ranked 22nd in QBR (47.7) and completion percentage (63.6%, tied with the Ravens' Lamar Jackson). -- David Newton

Latest on whether they will re-sign center Cade Mays: Mays is one of the top centers to hit free agency, turns 27 in April and has flexibility to play guard. The Panthers have interest in retaining core players. A re-sign wouldn't shock if both sides can find a sweet spot. -- Fowler

Early draft outlook: Building better protection around Young next season is still a vital need for Carolina, especially on the interior. Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane is the top prospect on the inside. He has the power at 330 pounds to move piles in the run game, while also showing the agility to be an ideal blocker for a mobile quarterback. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Panthers will pay big money to Trey Hendrickson. The Panthers ranked 24th in pass rush win rate this season, and while they took two edge rushers high in the 2025 draft (Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen), they could use a steady veteran to lead the attack. -- Schatz



2025 record: 3-14
Final FPI ranking: No. 26
Estimated 2026 cap space: $14.5 million
2026 first-round draft pick: No. 3

What is their top offseason priority? Decide what they're going to do with quarterback Kyler Murray. Is it time to part ways, or will the Cardinals try to run it back for another season? The former is more than likely, but that leads to another question: Do the Cardinals just cut him or can they trade him to get at least some compensation?

What is one secondary priority to watch? Figure out why there were so many injuries this season. Coach Jonathan Gannon has said more than once that his offseason evaluation will include a deeper dive into how Arizona handles health and wellness. Injuries decimated the Cardinals' roster on both sides of the ball, preventing them from putting a suitable enough roster on the field this season.

Latest on the head coach situation: The Cardinals fired third-year head coach Jonathan Gannon, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, on the Monday after their worst regular season of the modern era. General manager Monti Ossenfort will spearhead the search for a new head coach. -- Josh Weinfuss

Latest on whether they will re-sign safety Jalen Thompson: Safety always comes down to how the team values the position. Thompson, if healthy, is likely to be one of the more sought-after free agents at the position, which is why most of the people I talk to about this situation seem to think he gets more from another team. -- Graziano

Early draft outlook: The Cardinals need a lot of help, so they can afford to take a "best player available" approach in the first round. If Murray ends up elsewhere by April, quarterback could be an area that's addressed, but offensive line is a glaring weakness on the roster. Arizona took 53 sacks entering Week 17, sixth most in the NFL. Miami's Francis Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano are polished blockers who could become immediate starters at right tackle. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Cardinals will keep Murray. Everyone expects a trade, but his level of play and his contract aren't so bad that the Cardinals need to deal him right away. If they don't find a solid offer for Murray, keeping him for one more year is very defensible. -- Solak



2025 record: 8-9
Final FPI ranking: No. 24
Estimated 2026 cap space: minus-$12.7 million
2026 first-round draft pick: None (traded to LAR)

What is their top offseason priority? Decide who stays and who goes. Owner Arthur Blank has several decisions to make with the coaching staff and front office. General manager Terry Fontenot has not produced a winning season in five years with the team, while the Falcons regressed in Year 2 under coach Raheem Morris.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Figuring out who will play quarterback in Week 1. Michael Penix Jr. tore his ACL in November and will be out at least nine months, which could push up on training camp. The Falcons are committed to Penix, but they could try to bring in someone if he isn't ready and Kirk Cousins isn't a viable option.

Latest on the head coach situation: The Falcons fired coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after two straight disappointing seasons. Their exits came hours after Atlanta wrapped up an 8-9 season with a 19-17 win over the Saints. -- Marc Raimondi

Latest on whether they will re-sign tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.: He came on strong at the end of his fourth season with the team, finishing with 928 receiving yards. But with top wide receiver Drake London extension-eligible, I don't see the Falcons handing out top tight end money to a player who hasn't been consistently healthy or consistently great since after his rookie season. -- Graziano

Early draft outlook: Even though the Falcons don't have a first-round pick, there are still plenty of options to address their need at cornerback. Julian Neal (Arkansas) and Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State) are a couple of Day 2 names who could play opposite A.J. Terrell Jr. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Falcons will keep Cousins in 2026. Sure, this is finally the year in which it's easier to get out of his contract. But the offense has worked better with Cousins than Penix, and Cousins looks far healthier another year removed from the Achilles injury. -- Solak



2025 record: 8-9
Final FPI ranking: No. 6
Estimated 2026 cap space: $8.4 million
2026 first-round draft pick: No. 14

What is their top offseason priority? Reduce quarterback Lamar Jackson's salary cap number. The Ravens will be extremely limited with what they can do in free agency if they don't lower Jackson's cap figure, which jumps to $74.5 million in 2026 (roughly 25% of Baltimore's cap). The team likely needs to sign him to a new contract, and the last contract talks with Jackson were challenging because he doesn't have an agent and represents himself.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Add an impact edge rusher. This is the first season since 1996 that the Ravens didn't have at least one edge rusher with six or more sacks. Plus, Baltimore's two most experienced pass rushers -- Dre'Mont Jones and Kyle Van Noy -- are unrestricted free agents.

Latest on the head coach situation: The Ravens fired John Harbaugh, ending the run of the most successful coach in franchise history. His exit came two days after the Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh 26-24 after missing a last-second field goal attempt, which eliminated them from the playoffs for the first time since 2021. -- Jamison Hensley

Latest on whether they will re-sign center Tyler Linderbaum: Tricky one. The Ravens declined Linderbaum's fifth-year option for the same reason the franchise tag likely isn't a possibility -- because all offensive linemen are the same in the eyes of the fifth-year option and the franchise tag, and applying either would make Linderbaum the highest-paid center by $4 to $5 million per year. They want to have Linderbaum back, but he has the leverage. -- Graziano

Early draft outlook: The Ravens defense has taken a massive step back this season, which has primarily been because they can't generate any pressure. Zion Young (Missouri) and Derrick Moore (Michigan) are two edge rushers who fit the profile of players that Baltimore has gravitated toward in prior drafts. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Ravens will part ways with cornerback Marlon Humphrey, whether via trade or just as an outright cut. Humphrey has been one of the most targeted -- and least successful -- cornerbacks deep downfield this season. He would hit the Ravens' cap for nearly $20 million in 2026, the final year of his current deal. -- Solak



2025 record: 6-11
Final FPI ranking: No. 14
Estimated 2026 cap space: $60.8 million
2026 first-round draft pick: No. 10

What is their top offseason priority? Add juice to the pass rush. Cincinnati's young pass rushers showed promise at the end of the season, but they were 30th in pass rush win rate and 26th in team sacks through Week 17. Recreating the magic of 2021, when Cincinnati added Larry Ogunjobi as an interior pass rusher, could be critical to improving the defense.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Solidify the secondary. While safety Geno Stone deserves due credit for helping fix the defense at the end of the season, he will be a free agent next season. Finding someone to pair with Jordan Battle, as well as landing a starting slot cornerback, will be critical.

Latest on the head coach situation: The Bengals are bringing back coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin, owner Mike Brown announced the day after Cincinnati's season-ending loss. In seven seasons, Taylor has had two playoff appearances (2021, 2022) and is the only coach in franchise history to make multiple appearances in the conference championship game. -- Ben Baby

Latest on whether they will re-sign edge rusher Trey Hendrickson: This relationship has run its course. The Bengals have the option to franchise-tag Hendrickson, but after a year of contentious contract negotiations, the edge rusher appears poised to land elsewhere and capitalize on a booming positional market. -- Fowler

Early draft outlook: The likely loss of Hendrickson, coupled with the lack of impact so far from first-round picks Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy, should point the Bengals toward edge rushers in Round 1. That matches the strength of this class, where David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Keldric Faulk (Auburn) could be realistic options. If Stewart and Murphy are seen as capable of replacing Hendrickson, a space-eating defensive tackle like Caleb Banks (Florida) would improve the line in a hurry. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Bengals will sign more than one veteran edge rusher, such as Joey Bosa, Yetur Gross-Matos, D.J. Wonnum or Charles Omenihu. As mentioned above, the Bengals will have to attack the edge rusher free agent class with volume. -- Schatz



2025 record: 5-12
Final FPI ranking: No. 32
Estimated 2026 cap space: minus-$65 million
2026 first-round draft pick: No. 6 and TBD (acquired from JAX)

What is their top offseason priority? Gaining clarity under center. Cleveland needs to figure out its quarterback situation after neither Dillon Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders established themselves as long-term options. The Browns might have played themselves out of position for a top quarterback in the 2026 draft after beating the Steelers in Week 17. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in December that the Browns are planning to keep Deshaun Watson on their 2026 roster.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Rebuild the rest of the offense. The Browns need to get younger and more athletic along the offensive line, where only one Week 1 starter is under contract for 2026. They could use more dynamic players at skill positions, too.

Latest on the head coach situation: The Browns fired Kevin Stefanski after six seasons, the team announced Monday. This season marked their fourth losing season under Stefanski and their second straight last-place finish in the AFC North. -- Daniel Oyefusi

Latest on whether they will re-sign tight end David Njoku: The emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has affected Njoku's playing time, and it could affect his future with the team. He likes it in Cleveland, and the Browns like him, so it's possible -- even likely -- they find common ground on a reasonable deal. The decision could also be affected by potential changes to the Browns' coaching staff. -- Graziano

Early draft outlook: Cleveland is not in contention to draft one of the top two passers after falling out of the top two picks, but it could use its two first-round picks to trade up and take a QB. If the Browns elect to go elsewhere, offensive tackle and wide receiver are clear needs on the roster. Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa would bring immediate stability at guard or tackle. Carnell Tate (Ohio State) and Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) could be instant impact starters at receiver. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Browns will bring in 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, as they continue their tradition of signing receivers on low-cost contracts in the hopes of hitting it big. Aiyuk's days in San Francisco are likely over; the Browns can offer him more money and opportunity compared to any other team in the NFL. -- Solak



2025 record: 7-9-1
Final FPI ranking: No. 18
Estimated 2026 cap space: minus-$79.4 million
2026 first-round draft pick: No. 12 and No. 20 (acquired from GB)

What is their top offseason priority? Rebuild the defense. Owner Jerry Jones said in Week 16 that he believes the "bones" of a good defense are in place. That can be debated because the Cowboys allowed close to 30 points per game in 2025. Their strength is at defensive tackle with Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa, but they have questions at every other position group.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Spend in free agency. The Cowboys will never be big spenders in free agency, but they have to do more than just nibble around the edges, especially defensively. Finding a high-end pass rusher and cornerback is difficult in free agency, but they can do more at linebacker and safety. There have been more questions than answers in recent drafts, so they need a more proactive approach to free agency. -- Todd Archer

Latest on whether they will re-sign wide receiver George Pickens: This may grab as many headlines as any free agent situation in the league, mainly because it's the Cowboys. Pickens has been spectacular for Dallas since the team acquired him in a trade with Pittsburgh, catching 93 balls for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. He comes with concerns due to some of the effort and concentration issues he had with the Steelers, even though those haven't shown up in Dallas. Based on everything I've heard, the franchise tag is the likely option here. -- Graziano

Early draft outlook: One of the worst defenses in the league, the Cowboys are in dire need of new players at every position. Texas Tech's David Bailey is arguably the best pass rusher in this class, logging 14.5 sacks this season, tied for the most in the FBS. If they opt to add to the secondary in Round 1, Brandon Cisse (South Carolina) would make a lot of sense, as his skill set matches previous Cowboys defensive backs. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Cowboys -- after a classic prolonged and public negotiation -- will make Pickens the fourth-highest-paid receiver in the NFL, just under teammate CeeDee Lamb ($34 million per year) but ahead of Pittsburgh's DK Metcalf ($33 million). And with Pickens back, quarterback Dak Prescott goes on to win MVP in 2026. -- Solak



2025 record: 9-8
Final FPI ranking: No. 4
Estimated 2026 cap space: minus-$23.1 million
2026 first-round draft pick: No. 17

What is their top offseason priority? Improve the offensive line. Detroit ranked 20th in run block win rate (70.7%) and 30th in pass block win rate (55.2%). The unit struggled to adapt with the offseason departures of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow, who abruptly retired in June, and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who signed with the Titans.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Add another edge rusher. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson earned Pro Bowl honors for the second time after a career-best 14.5 sacks. However, Detroit needs another reliable option opposite of Hutchinson -- a player who can bring depth and better consistency. -- Eric Woodyard

Latest on whether they will re-sign linebacker Alex Anzalone: Anzalone has been a fixture for the Lions in the Dan Campbell era, and his game is more respected in league circles than in fan or media circles. The early feedback: Anzalone's return is a 50/50 proposition. Detroit wants him back, but he'll have interest from other teams. -- Fowler

Early draft outlook: The Lions' first-round pick should be used on defense, where the team has needs at edge rusher, cornerback and linebacker. They could take the first cornerback off the board with Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) or Mansoor Delane (LSU). They could also consider linebackers Sonny Styles (Ohio State) and CJ Allen (Georgia). -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Lions will cut left tackle Taylor Decker if he does not retire. He will be 33 years old next season and has had issues with shoulder injuries. Through Week 17 in 2025, he fell to 43rd out of 70 ranked tackles in pass block win rate, and he ranks 61st in run block win rate. -- Schatz



2025 record: 8-9
Final FPI ranking: No. 21
Estimated 2026 cap space: $36.3 million
2026 first-round draft pick: None (traded to NYJ)

What is their top offseason priority? Resolve their quarterback situation. Daniel Jones lit it up in his first season with Indy, but he'll be a free agent in March, when he'll still be recovering from a torn right Achilles. The Colts seem inclined to run it back with Jones, but they've got to reach a deal and confirm his injury progress.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Re-tool the defensive line. The Colts have stuck with this group for years, but the results have been too intermittent to assume this group returns en masse. This will be tricky with no first-round pick, but the Colts need more juice on the edge.

Latest on the head coach situation: The Colts lost their final seven games to complete a historic collapse after an 8-2 start. But the team's ownership has decided not to make significant changes, with the Colts announcing less than three hours after a season-ending loss to the Texans that general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen will return for the 2026 season. -- Stephen Holder

Latest on whether they will re-sign Jones: He has proved to be the Colts' steadiest quarterback option since Andrew Luck. The Colts will monitor his Achilles tear recovery before free agency, and assuming all goes well, Indy should attempt to keep Jones, via a franchise tag or new deal. -- Fowler

Early draft outlook: With no first-round pick, the Colts won't be on the clock until Friday night. When that happens, finding impact players on the defensive front seven is crucial. Linebacker has been a weak point for the defense, and this draft is loaded with talented prospects with second-round grades. Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas) has the range and versatility to be a good fit. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Colts will give a big extension to 25-year-old safety Nick Cross. He did well in my coverage DVOA metric and was involved in 14.0% of Colts defensive plays, seventh among safeties through Week 17. His average run tackle came after a gain of just 4.4 yards (ranked sixth among safeties through Week 17). -- Schatz



2025 record: 6-11
Final FPI ranking: No. 20
Estimated 2026 cap space: minus-$58.4 million
2026 first-round draft pick: No. 9

What is their top offseason priority? Improve the pass rush. The Chiefs must find an above-average pass rusher to put alongside Chris Jones and George Karlaftis. In past years, they have prioritized improving the offensive line. This year, that focus should shift to Steve Spagnuolo's unit either through free agency or with their first-round pick.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Convince tight end Travis Kelce to return. The odds might not be in the Chiefs' favor, but he is still productive and someone Patrick Mahomes trusts over any other pass catcher. A reasonable one-year contract could lead to Kelce returning to the roster for Mahomes' return following his recovery from a left knee injury. -- Nate Taylor

Latest on whether they will re-sign cornerback Jaylen Watson: The Chiefs drafted four defensive backs in 2022. Three of them (Watson, cornerback Joshua Williams and safety Bryan Cook) are free agents, while cornerback Trent McDuffie is extension-eligible ahead of his fifth-year option season. I put Watson here as an example, because the Chiefs -- who have a history of letting cornerbacks leave in free agency and replacing them with draft picks -- need to decide who stays in their secondary. They could prioritize the McDuffie extension and just use a ton of picks on DBs again. -- Graziano

Early draft outlook: The Chiefs are in a rebuild mode thanks to bloated contracts and aging veterans. Quarterback and left tackle are the only positions truly off the table in Round 1. With a rare top-10 pick, the Chiefs could replace right tackle Jawaan Taylor with a prospect like Francis Mauigoa (Miami). In Round 2, they could address Kelce's uncertain future by drafting a tight end like Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt). -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Chiefs will cut Taylor, which would save them $20 million on the cap even if Taylor is cut before the June 1 mark. He was in the top 10 of pass block win rate for tackles through Week 17 this season, but the Chiefs can't live with his expensive contract or his predilection for earning penalties. -- Schatz



2025 record: 3-14
Final FPI ranking: No. 28
Estimated 2026 cap space: $84.1 million
2026 first-round draft pick: No. 1

What is their top offseason priority? Figuring out a plan at quarterback. Geno Smith is still under contract, with a dead cap hit of $18.5 million in 2026 if the team decides to move on from him. Whether or not Smith remains in Las Vegas, the Raiders will examine the future of the quarterback position, especially since they will have the No. 1 pick.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Revamp the offensive line. A key part of the Raiders' inability to run or pass the ball was the lack of support from the offensive line. Las Vegas elected to run it back with last year's group, only for the unit to take a major step back with a pass block win rate and run block win rate that ranked among the bottom half of the league through Week 17.

Latest on the head coach situation: The Pete Carroll era with the Raiders is over after just one year. The team fired the 74-year-old coach after it went 3-14 this season, which ended with a 14-12 win over the Chiefs. -- Ryan McFadden

Latest on whether they will re-sign guard Dylan Parham: Young, reliable offensive guards are valuable, and Parham has 63 starts over four seasons for the team that drafted him. He thrived in 2024 as a right guard, which could be his long-term home, though the Raiders played him at left guard this season. The Raiders likely will entertain retaining Parham, but a looming coaching search could affect that process. -- Fowler

Early draft outlook: The last time the Raiders drafted a QB in Round 1 was 2007, when the team selected JaMarcus Russell. It's time for the organization to find its franchise QB with no young option at the position. The Raiders could have a decision to make between Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: If Carroll goes one-and-done, Brady will call an old New England friend to be head coach: current Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He'll get a well-deserved second crack at a head coaching gig after getting fired by the Dolphins in 2022. -- Solak



2025 record: 9-8
Final FPI ranking: No. 27
Estimated 2026 cap space: minus-$58.1 million
2026 first-round draft pick: No. 18

What is their top offseason priority? Figure out the J.J. McCarthy conundrum. He had a mostly brutal first season as the Vikings' starter and the team must decide whether to give him another season, acquire a replacement or pair him with a veteran backup who could take over if he fails to make progress.

What is one secondary priority to watch? Settle the Brian Flores situation. He has been one of the NFL's best defensive coordinators during his three seasons in Minnesota, but his contract is expiring and he'll have the opportunity to consider options elsewhere even if he doesn't get a head coaching job. It'll be a challenge to replace him with an equal performer. -- Kevin Seifert

Latest on whether they will re-sign safety Harrison Smith: Smith got the last-game treatment in Week 18, subbing out in the final minutes for a home-crowd ovation and hugs from teammates. That signals a looming retirement. But if he plays a 15th season, the chances of a return to Minnesota would be high. He produced at age 36 with 54 tackles, two interceptions, 10 pass deflections and one sack. -- Fowler

Early draft outlook: If Flores isn't hired away as a head coach, he'll want to bolster the secondary. Ohio State's Caleb Downs is unlikely to last until the late teens, but he would be an ideal pick in a Minkah Fitzpatrick-type role. Either Brandon Cisse (South Carolina) or Colton Hood (Tennessee) might be more likely options to fill a need at cornerback. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: With little cap space, the Vikings will say goodbye to tight end T.J. Hockenson, who has had injury issues and is coming off two straight years with fewer than 500 receiving yards. He was tied for 33rd among tight ends in ESPN's receiver scores through Week 17. Cutting Hockenson would save the Vikings nearly $9 million in cap space before June 1 and $16 million if designated after June 1. -- Schatz